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Disciple Accountability Group (DAG)

These are guideline questions based on scripture verses, for DAG groups of 3 to 7 men or 3 to 7 women. They are about either the church or character.

True discipleship involves TLC –Time together, Love, and Content of the scripture that meets the heart.

They are meant for a two-year schedule, with the group meeting twice a month at least, with some of the subjects taking two weeks instead of one.

They are clearly meant for all men or all women, and not more than seven.

After two years new groups can start out of the group as new people are added. Then they go through the same questions, because they never get old.

 

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The 4 Boundaries

“The Soccer Field” – a model for the ministries of the board of a church,  to distinguish that from the Sunday and daily ministries of the pastoral staff

 The Four Boundaries,  and policies or goals that can guide actions related to those

Foundations

Statement of faith

   …We will not change this,  unless a clarification is needed.
…We will have a way it is posted so anyone can see it easily.

Constitution Continue reading “The 4 Boundaries”

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“Major Concerns”

These are the seven very important areas I cover with pastors after going over the areas where they have questions, and character and connections with our Lord. Perhaps some of them will provoke questions or even make you wonder how the coaching relationship could work.

For Overview (click here)

To search for content under each area:
1.  Enter a key word in the search box.
2. Click on a category to the right.

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Story of Growth

Story of Growth Download

By dates and physical (approx.)

 

 

1934          Began with 30 people in store front. Carl Burnham, pioneer

1938          Moved to small building near university

                  Emphasis on evangelism – personal and end-of-service

1955          Built on Fir Hill, contingent to University of Akron

1962          Carl Burnham dies in surgery; son David becomes pastor

1960’s        Emphasis on huge music ministry, pulpit, home studies

1973          Move into 1900-seat sanctuary

1970’s        Grow to two duplicate services, strong evening service

1980          First branch church in Marlboro – 25 miles away

1981          People and staff start Hudson Chapel – 10 miles away

1983          Knute Larson becomes senior after 14-month period with no senior

1984          Big 60-second TV and radio spots on secular stations.

1985          Start branch church in North Canton – 14 miles away

                  Build gym, kids rooms, youth area ($13 M paid in three years)

                  Start “Super Monday” to help pastors

                  Tried three main senior associates for staff leadership

1986          Go to three worship services

                  Begin partnership with Arlington Church and racial reconciliation ministry

1987          Began using “business advisors” related to finances

1990          Go to four worship services, with ABFs all four hours

1991          Begin branch church in Kent – 7 miles away

                  Totally rewrote constitution

1994          Build more CE space ($3.5 M, paid for in three years)

1995          Craig Williford first executive pastor (director of ministries) since ‘84

1996          Go to five worship services – 4 in the morning, duplicate at 6:30

1997          Began Chapel Association of churches

1998          Begin stated journey to 50% of money to go “outside our walls”

2000          Begin urban ministries and a lot of city outreach

2001          Begin branch church at Wadsworth – 12 miles away

2002          Raise $25 M for new campus, camp, three buildings overseas (paid totally in five years)

2003          Second main campus begins with 3500, first day

2004          Emphasis on Home ABFs along with ABFs

2005          Start very contemporary worship at 6:40 p.m.

2006          Paul Sartarelli joins as associate senior (senior to be)

                  Clear plan announced.

                  Started “Imagine Unity,” coalition of six church organizations, four African-American

2007          Start extra venues on campus (live worship, screen sermon)

2009          Larson leaves; Sartarelli senior

 

Financial Practices

 

  1. “Faith Promise” each October for missions budget only.
  2. All building programs: raised 3-5 year pledges ahead.  All finished on exact date as planned.
  3. Monthly supply of offering envelopes sent.
  4. Budget based on actual of previous year.
  5. Trustee finance committee decides all salaries, perks.
  6. Total confidentiality as to giving.
  7. Salaries studied with other church surveys and local schools.
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Boundaries For Pastor And Staff

Leaders of a local church –the senior pastor and the board — must adopt clear policies, “sand bags” to keep storms out.

Very necessary because…
…we should not trust ourselves or others, pastors and nice people included.
…the enemy seeks to hurt the church by the moral fall of its leaders.
…pastors and staff are vulnerable because they are often so trusted.
…pastors and staff are vulnerable because they honestly seek to help needy people.

…the news reports scream that policies either were not there or were broken. …Jesus Christ is Lord and to be glorified.

Continue reading “Boundaries For Pastor And Staff”

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Church Policy on Same-sex Attraction and Same-sex Marriage

Because of our allegiance to our Lord Jesus Christ and to the inspired Word of God, the Bible, we choose to understand and teach that marriage is a sacred covenant and commitment reserved for one woman and one man.

Our policy is to honor or officiate at only that kind of marriage.

Therefore we believe that a homosexual relationship is contrary to God’s truth and clear guidance. We will seek to love and help anyone who differs with this, Continue reading “Church Policy on Same-sex Attraction and Same-sex Marriage”

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Helping Staff Teams to Know and Understand Each Other Better Without Paying for Personality Tests!

The best exercise our staffs ever did to know and appreciate each other, and see God’s grace in action

 “The Ten Most Important Decisions or Events in My Life”

 Each staff member prepares the list, to be given and described in just seven minutes in front of all staff,  just one at a time, early in a staff meeting. (Does not include physical birth, which is assumed )

 Okay, everyone will say he or she cannot do it in seven minutes,  but stick to that,  and allow three minutes for brief questions after.

  •  Very healthy exercise  for people to go back through their lives and narrow down the most significant decisions or events,  positive or negative,  that affected them.  And still do
  •  Very healthy for their teammates to hear where they, the presenters, have been and see why they are the way they are.
  •  Bonding.

>  God always ends up getting a lot of credit.

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Assimilation

ASSIMILATION Download

Helping guests become family is not automatic!

***WHEN THEY ARE GUESTS: finding out who they are

+ Guest cards: 10-25% will sign and turn in. A few more with the tablet passed down the row.

+ Welcome center, or line to meet the pastor: A few more will come to this, but it must be close and easy, not at the front of the worship room. Someone must host and give the “gifts” out and get names and email!

+ “Coffee with the pastors,” or “Pizza….” A monthly or every other month reception will catch more people, another percentage. Continue reading “Assimilation”